This is my first post and I apologize for any ambiguity, but it is very difficult to describe what is happening to my fingers and hands.
First of all, this anomaly does not happen routinely, it just appears with little warning. I do notice that it occurs more frequently when I use a device that vibrates such as the vacuum cleaner or hand mixer. It only happens on one finger per episode and usually last about 48-72 hours.
It starts out with small (dime size) welt, under the skin. It is very itchy and it burns. The welt will continue to grow at the same time the area around the welt and the offending finger will begin to swell. The swelling gets so bad that I can't bend my finger. All during this process the itching and buring increases and it begins to tump like a toothache. Evenutally tiny blisters and sometimes larger ones will develope in addition to black marks (as if blood vesels have broken).
Usually after about 48-72 hours the swelling will begin to subside on its own and the itching/burning subsides as well.
The result is the black marks left from where it appears (to me) that blood vesels had broken which remain for about two weeks. Then the entire area that was affected will peel (or shed) similar to how a snake sheds its skin.
The has been happeing to me for about 4-5 years and just dealt with it, until last week the swelling was so bad I went to the emergency room, where I was admitted and had a surgical procedure to lance the finger and drain the fluid.
Cultures came back neagative so Dr.'s so far have no clue what this is.
I have pictures of the different stages of this annomoly also.
Does anyone else experince such a thing? It only happens on my hands/finger, never anywhere else, except sometimes the swelling is so bad that it travels to the back of my hand.
Re: Welts under skin on fingers with major swelling
I am experiencing the almost exact same symptoms. I have been seeing various specialists for the past 3 years with little success in diagnosis. Mostly due to the fact that the flare ups dissipate before the Doctor Appointments. They do seem to come back quickly now. The latest series of tests are pointing toward Psoriatic Arthritis. I have another appointment in a few days and will update you on what they say, if anything. It has been an exercise in frustration.
Re: Welts under skin on fingers with major swelling
OK, looks like the Rheumatologists wants to take a new direction with the diagnosis. They are leaning towards pressure induced urticaria. Treatment at this point is with large doses of antihistamines. If there is no improvement, they will keep digging. Psoriatic Arthritis is still on the short list, but not treating for it yet.
Welts under skin on fingers with major swelling 
